Ultrasound Prostate

A prostate ultrasound is an examination to allow visualisation to assess the size, shape, and condition of the prostate gland and surrounding structures.

A prostate ultrasound may be performed:

• After blood tests reveal an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
• to stage rectal cancer
• monitor the treatment of rectal cancer
• to assess the rectum for other problems
• performed to assist in placement of needles used to biopsy (obtain a tissue sample) the prostate, 
• to aid in the placement of radiation "seeds" used to treat prostate cancer.
• to assess blood flow to the prostate or other masses that may be located during the procedure.

There may be other reasons for your doctor to recommend a prostate ultrasound.

 Last toilet 2 hours prior to examination.

1. Drink 1 litre of water 1 hour prior to your scan
2. DO NOT empty bladder until the sonographer asked you to
3. No food for 6hrs prior to your test

You will need change into a hospital gown and remove your clothing from the waist down (including underwear). You will lie on a ultrasound examination table on your left side with your knees bent up to your chest. 

The small thin-like lubricated transducer will be inserted into the rectum. You may experience a feeling of fullness of the rectum at this time.

During the procedure the transducer may be rotated slightly several times in order to obtain adequate visualization of the prostate gland and other surrounding structures.

The ultrasound may cause some discomfort, and the clear gel will feel cool and wet. All possible comfort measures and procedure will be completed the as quickly as possible to minimize any discomfort.

The specialised doctor will carefully analyse your images and make a report to your referring doctor. If the referring doctor is in the hospital they will be able to access the results on the computer. If they are not then the clerks will be able to burn the results on a disc.